Earthquakes! Nov 10, 2011

After our series of earthquakes in Oklahoma last week, we've been getting a lot of calls about earthquake insurance. 

We do offer earthquake insurance.  There will generally be a deductible equal to a percentage of the policy's stated replacement value of your home.  Please call if you would like a quote. 

Flood Safety in Oklahoma May 3, 2011

Source:  www.okflood.org
 
Flash floods are the number one cause for weather-related deaths in the United States.  An average of 100 people a year lose their lives in floods nationwide, with flood damage averaging more than $2 billion.
 
In Oklahoma more than $97 million in flood insurance payments were made from 1978 to 2002.  Numerous Oklahomans have been killed by floods since 1995.
 
The following tips will help keep you safe during a flood.
 
Flood Safety Tips:
 

• Stay informed.  Turn on a battery-operated radio or television to get the latest emergency information.  Continue listening to the radio for news about what to do, where to go and places to avoid.
• If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.  Evacuation is much safer before floodwaters become too deep for ordinary vehicles to drive through.  Follow recommended evacuation routes.
• Avoid walking through floodwater.  Water only six inches deep can sweep you off your feet if it is moving swiftly.
• Do not drive into a flooded street.  Cars can be swept away by two feet of moving water or there may be unseen damage to the road.  If you come to a flooded area turn around and go another way.  Most flood-related deaths are caused by people driving through water.
• Watch out for fire hazards.  Be aware of broken or leaking gas lines, flooded electrical circuits, electrical appliances and flammable materials coming from upstream.

 
Plan Ahead for Floods
Find out if you live in a flood-prone area.  Ask whether your property is above or below the flood stage water level and learn about the history of flooding for your region.
 
Plan and practice an evacuation route.
Individuals living in flash flood areas should have several alternate routes.  Have disaster supplies on hand for easy access.
 
Learn about the National Flood Insurance Program.  Ask your insurance agent about flood insurance.  Homeowners’ policies do not cover flood damage.
 
After the Flood
Protect yourself and your family from stress, fatigue and health hazards that follow a flood:

• Dry out your home.  Floodwaters damage materials, leave mud, silt and unknown contaminants, and promote the growth of mold and mildew.
• Restore the utilities.  Cleanup will be much easier if you have heat, electricity, sanitary water and sewage disposal.
• Clean up.  The walls, floors, closets, shelves, contents and any other flooded parts of your home should be thoroughly washed and disinfected.
• Rebuild and flood proof.  Take time to rebuild correctly and make improvements that will protect your building from damage by the next flood.

Prepare for the next flood.  Protect yourself from the next flood with flood insurance, a flood response plan and community flood protection programs.

Tornado Safety in Oklahoma May 3, 2011

Source:  www.McReady.org
 
 
Tornado Safety in Oklahoma
 
Tornadoes are the most violent storms on earth.  In an average year, about 54 tornadoes strike the state of Oklahoma.
 
The good news is you CAN survive a tornado and greatly reduce your chances of being hurt or killed by following some very basic advice.
 
Stay Informed:
·         Pay attention to the weather, especially in the spring when thunderstorms are most frequent.
·         Use all the information sources available to find out if severe storms are possible and to track them once they’re occurring.
·         Local television stations, AM/FM radio, the Internet and NOAA Weather Radio are also reliable sources of weather information.
 
Have a Safety Plan:
Tornadoes hit most often from March through June during the late afternoon and early evening hours, but they can happen at any time of the day or night and at any time of the year.
·         Have a safety plan for wherever you might be when a tornado strikes – school, work, church, home, shopping, traveling, etc.
·         Think through your plan in advance, since there may not be much time to act once the tornado is approaching you.
·         Practice your plan and be sure all family members know what to do.
 
Learn How to Protect Yourself:
Tornadoes and severe thunderstorms can develop suddenly, sometimes even before a warning is issued.  When a tornado or severe thunderstorm is close by, remember these guidelines:
 
Get In
·         Get as far inside a strong building as you can.
·         Put as many walls between you and the outside as possible.
·         Stay away from doors and windows.
 
Get Down
·         Get as low as possible to avoid flying debris.
·         Go to the lowest floor possible.  Being underground is best.
 
Cover Up
·         Use whatever you can find – pillows, blankets, mattresses, sleeping bags – to protect yourself from flying and falling debris.
·         Wear a helmet if you have one to protect your head from debris.
 
Attempting to shelter outside in a ditch, under an overpass, in a vehicle or in a mobile home provides little or no protection from even a weak tornado.  The best course of action is to plan ahead and avoid being caught in these places during a storm.  If you are trapped, try to get to a sturdy structure as quickly as possible and GET IN – GET DOWN – COVER UP!
 
Other Tips for Tornado Survival:
·         Have a battery-operated Weather Radio with the warning alarm device to alert you to dangerous storms while you’re sleeping or not watching local television.
·         Have multiple ways to get warning information.
·         If you feel threatened, go to your safe place quickly.  Don’t wait for a warning or a siren to sound.

Lightning Safety in Oklahoma May 3, 2011

Source:  www.McReady.Org
 
 
Every year people are killed or injured by lightning strikes in Oklahoma.  On average, about 50 bolts of lightning will strike less than a mile from any given person each year in Oklahoma – about 1 million strikes per year across the state.  Where you are when these strikes occur could greatly affect your chances of getting struck by lightning.
 
If you frequently work or play outdoors, your risk is significantly increased.  Use your best judgment to remain safe during storms and remember the following tips:
 
When Outside:
If you hear thunder, lightning is close enough to strike.  Go inside or get into a hard-topped vehicle.
 
If Caught Outside:

• Do not lie flat on the ground
• Crouch with your feet together
• Do not seek shelter under trees

 
When Inside:

• Stay away from windows
• Don’t use the phone
• Stay away from electric appliances
• Stay away from water
• Unplug appliances to protect them

 
When Boating:
A boat is usually the highest object in its area, making boats especially vulnerable to lightning strikes.  Get to shore and into a building if possible.
 
If Caught on the Water:

• Lower fishing poles and other tall objects
• Try to stay in a dry spot on the boat
• Do not touch electrical or metal objects

 
Common Lightning Myths
Myth:  If it’s not raining then there is no danger from lightning.
Truth:  Lightning often strikes outside of heavy rain and may occur more than ten miles away from any rainfall.
 
Myth:  Rubber soles on shoes or rubber tires will protect you from being struck by lightning.
Truth:  Rubber soles on shoes and rubber tires offer no protection from lightning.  However, the metal body of a hard-topped vehicle does provide increased protection.  Make sure not to touch any metal inside the vehicle.
 
Myth:  People struck by lightning carry an electrical charge – never touch anyone who has just been struck by lightning.
Truth:  People just struck by lightning carry no electrical charge and should be given attention, including CPR, immediately.
 
Plan Ahead for Lightning
The best way to protect yourself is to plan ahead so you’re not in a dangerous location when storms threaten.
 
Be prepared to end golf games or fishing trips early when lightning approaches.  The inconvenience of rescheduling outdoor activities is a small price to pay for safety from lightning strikes.
 
Carry a portable NOAA Weather Radio to keep abreast of all weather situations.  These radios provide 24-hour weather coverage from the National Weather Service.